Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF DIVERSE APPROACHES FOR TREATING ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Sourabh Kumar Sharma and Sagarika Majhi*

.

Abstract

Pharmacological treatment for alopecia, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA), encompasses various therapeutic approaches aimed at either arresting hair loss or stimulating hair regrowth. This involves the use of topical or oral medications targeting specific pathways associated with hair follicle function and growth. One commonly prescribed medication is minoxidil, applied topically to the scalp. Minoxidil operates by widening blood vessels in the scalp, enhancing blood flow to hair follicles, and potentially extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. Another option is finasteride, an oral medication that inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in AGA. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride may help prevent further hair loss and foster hair regrowth. Additional pharmacological treatments for AGA include antiandrogen medications like spironolactone and dutasteride, which block the effects of DHT on hair follicles. Furthermore, certain vitamins and supplements, such as biotin, iron, and vitamin D, are utilized to support overall hair health and growth. In recent years, interest has surged in botanical extracts and natural compounds for alopecia treatment. These bioactive constituents derived from plants are believed to offer benefits to hair follicles through mechanisms like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and growth-promoting properties. Examples include saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil, and green tea extract. Overall, pharmacotherapy for alopecia continues to advance, with ongoing research aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing more effective treatment options. While established medications such as minoxidil and finasteride remain key components of AGA treatment, botanical extracts and natural compounds present promising avenues to complement or enhance conventional therapies for managing alopecia.

Keywords: Alopecia, Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5-alpha reductase, Pharmacotherapy, Minoxidil.